Faces of our family

These are a few of my favorite faces. This summer has been amazing. It is sad to see it come to an end but that just means the holidays are coming. More time to be together. Feel free to contribute to my commentary of the pictures. We'd all love to hear your comments.

Dad I think it is safe to say that dad has enjoyed his summer. He has worn this hat more than any other hat he's owned (other than his hospital shower cap that is). It is a sign of true leisure and relaxation. It seems to bring him a look of youth and that look brings on an attitude of fun and sillyness. We all love seeing you have so much fun Dad. Thanks again for the awesome boat. It has been a blast!

Mom

You should win the award for the best cheerer this summer. You have truly been everyone's biggest fan and you've been so positive and kind regardless of the situation. You can just see from your picture that you are happy. It has rubbed off on all you've been around and since we've all gone back to real life we've kept your happy smile and kind words in our thoughts. Thanks for all the fun trips and for the fun family. We wouldn't even be here with out you. Also, thanks for the fantastic show of "Skiing Grandma", another season going on strong.

Josh

You finally got a break. How does it feel? From the look of things you have had a good break. Even making tons and tons of guacamole makes you happy. That must mean "no homework". Josh probably put the most miles on his body than anyone else. If he wasn't running, he was swimming, or biking, or swimming, or surfing, or skiing or playing paddle ball, or tubing,or doing something adventuresome. I really don't think you sat still for one minute. You make life an adventure. There is always something up your sleeve and we should announce that you are the HEBGEN MAN TRIATHLON reigning champion for the third year in a row. Maybe next year the race could have an even longer swim (to make things fair that is). Just kidding.

Amy

So this summer has been one of changes and growing up. It seems like not that long ago when Amy was playing basketball, driving the land cruiser and causing mom and dad all kinds of stress. Now she has a three year old, a one year old and has been married for 4 years. That 10 year high school reuion just did something to me. I guess it made me grateful for the life I have now. I wouldn't change it for the world. (Well maybe I'd erase the 4 plex but other than that.) This summer has been a blessing to spend with family at all the million and one reuions. Keep 'em coming.

Ella

Ella turned 3 this summer. She is all grown up and wants to know "WHY?" She is such a good big sister to Preston and loves being the oldest cousin. It makes her feel "in charge". She can't wait for her new house with pink carpet and pink walls (we don't have the courage to tell her that it won't all be pink.)

Preston

Preston is a whole year old. He has grown up, out, round and strong. He is like a tank when he crawls and like a girl when he screams. He is the friendliest guy around and is trying to learn how to walk. Look out world. Look out Ella. We loved this first year with you.

Eric

As you can see, Eric needed a vacation just like Josh. The difference between the two is amazing. Eric knows how to relax. He enjoyed every second he could with Lindsay and Abby playing in the sand and reading stories. He made good use of his time catching up on the time with them that he misses at home. We all loved being with you and wish it could have been longer. Thanks for sharing your suction cup arrow throwing at the ranch. None of us knew you had picked up the hobby. What amazing technique and agility.

Lindsay

Lindsay has had the summer of trips. She hasn't been home for much of the summer, although when she is home she makes life for Abby so fun that it probably seems like a vacation. The best part is that the vacations are going to continue. Send us a post card. Lindsay, what can we say, we love having you around and can't wait for you to come back. You are such a wonderful influence to all of us of kindness, optimism and pure love. We are thankful to have you as a sister. Let's have some more late nights.

Abby

Abby made us laugh this summer. She is so darling that we couldn't stop smiling. She has learned so many tricks (probably from Eric's seminars and Lindsay's lessons). One of the all time favorites is her rendition of the owl her zombie eyes, and her dance moves. Hopefully her head is ok.

Willard

Willard has had the summer of a life time. Can you imagine what it must be like to become the soul provider of a tiny little being who can't do one thing for herself. You have done fantastic. You're adjusting well and changing diapers like a champ. The question is "Can Annie make a hippo noise yet?" Your blessing for Annie was beautiful. Thanks for letting us be a part of it.

Wendy

Wendy you are doing such an amazing job as a mother. You are so loving and sweet with Annie. It has been a wonderful experience to watch you take on that role. Hopefully you are getting a little more sleep and that Will is changing all the diapers. Being with your family at the blessing was wonderful. They are such kind, fun people. We feel lucky to share you and now Annie with them. Just remember that being a mom is hard work, the best kind, and when it gets rough call one of us because we're all dying to hold her while she is small and can't say No.

Annie

Annie we love you so much. You are such a blessing to this Richards Family. Another girl cousin, look out Preston you're out numbered. Annie just remember that if you want anything ask Grandpa, he is a pushover when it comes to little granddaughters.

Sam

Sam's new name is Gilligan. We all have had the wonderful experience of being on the boat with Sam because Sam hasn't gotten off since it came home from Marine Products. He has become part of the interior (that is until the water is nice and then he is in the water with out a second to spare). Sam has made sure that we all know the rules and that the boat gets its daily wash and wax. We are all grateful for Sam taking the initiative to care for the new member of the family. MOBIUS.

Anna

Anna has had a quiet introspective summer and at the same time she has had the time of her life. I don't want to make you cry but we all love watching you fall head over heels. You've been a good example to all of us in obedience and support of the missionary program (and one missionary in particular). Thanks for confiding in us and letting us share your experiences. Hang in there. You know there are always RMs.

Kim

16 baby! What a milestone and the most impressive part about it is that she got her licence on her actual birthday with seconds to spare. If anyone needs a ride just call Kim (and bring your gas money). Kim also had a rough summer but has shown courage and bravery while experiencing sore knees, a sore mouth etc. Look out East High, here she comes. She's on top of the world and now she's legal to date!!!

Grandpa and Grandma Richards

What wonderful examples to us all of enduring to the end. It was a neat experience to take care of them this summer and enjoy their testimonies. They are two of the greatest people I know and I'm sure you'd all agree. Thanks for sharing your lives with us. Happy Birthday to you both. What an accomplishment.

Grandma Cook

We love you so much and feel the warmth of your spirit every time we are with you. You have an enthusiam for life that is contaigous. Thanks for teaching our children the fun poems, songs, and rhymes. Ella was doing "Eyes, eyes blinkers" to Preston in the car and I thought of you. We love you Great Cookie.